My backyard is full of smoke, I can see FLAMES in the distance, yet I
can't find any local fire updates on the T.V. or computer.  Radio
reception is
very poor in my area. Where can I find current fire updates on my computer?

Hello lisemc, I understand your concern about having a fire close by
and getting no info. Here in Idaho it makes you pretty nervous when
you see smoke and have heard no news of exactly where the fire is.
Fortunately you have a good source of info on your computer. The fire
closest to you is the "Pine Fire" in the Angeles National Forest. Here
is the link to all fires in California:

http://www.fire.ca.gov/cdf/incidents/index.html

Here is a detail map of the Pine Fire:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles/incident/pine/maps/anf_pinefire_gis071604w.jpg

Looking at this map:

http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?ovi=1&zoom=4&mapdata=OE4WNszgW9zB1gSPNlHtsBj1nT8l3QExWmZsJrDteOgUIeHJ%2f1FqgBFsmSpiWRc2uv7kjLFspyP0xDioDRBb%2blOC3czxF2JKV9Hyt1fFeSF0lfDxLWqv4qR%2bCqI%2bweMqYg%2f1ZixAEHC6HV%2b%2bqbhFmpQkylGoZTOAasgGwxEHWfkC7KwCFzw1NvMxyxub%2fMMebzB%2fyib2%2bSDkT5aSyIni40ts%2ft7Tn%2fOL6FECkhNN3aNC3u%2bfxT6%2fwLuZu6lmIAKZl9kIbBVL96LoRW1Q7u3ToZodeAvu6mgRGXJOXL6Ns%2b2eHbIZRTc90HQz
nZguyQVvIAXi5QmAgU5UZMUCG3YVKu2%2bVH4DX8xaUuY%2fIq7jGmw%3d

It appears that you might see flame to the north from your location.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles/incident/pine/index.html

This info says that the fire if 75% contained. However, it would
probably be a good idea to check back for further updates.

Hope this has been helpful, Redhoss

---

Request for Answer Clarification by lisemc-ga on 18 Jul 2004 23:55 PDT

Hi redhoss, I appreciate your prompt response to my fire dilemma. 
However the fire near me is not the Pine fire. The fire near my house
started yesterday and is not listed on the websites you provided. As
larre stated, the SANTA CLARITA blaze, now being referred to as the
FOOTHILL FIRE has jumped containment lines and is heading my way.
Getting info during the week is easy, getting it on a Sunday is almost
impossible. Local news here on Sundays doesn't exist until 4:30pm.
Hmm, interrupting Golf or I Love Lucy for breaking news updates on an
out of control wildfire just doesn't seem to rate with our local
stations. Something to ponder. Thanks larre, I have a nice view of the
flames from my backyard and I won't be waiting for a knock on my door!

---

Clarification of Answer by redhoss-ga on 19 Jul 2004 06:06 PDT

Very sorry. Maybe you can't trust our government for important information.

Info was not correct the websites given were not current.  But I do
appreciate the attempt.

It helps to know the area. Wildfires are soooo scary!

The PINE fire, somewhat far north of Santa Clarita, is 70% contained,
however the separate 4,200+ acre SANTA CLARITA blaze, is responsible
for over 100 evacuations in the Placerita Canyon, Fair Oaks and Sand
Canyon areas on Sunday, July 18th. It is reported that the fire has
jumped preliminary containment lines within the past hour.

The fire department should find you in case of evacuation, however, if
you feel there is direct danger, by all means, get to safety.


The LACoFD offers these pointers:

"* Have an evacuation plan in place. Make sure that each person in
your household is aware of two exit routes from your neighborhood.

* When evacuating your home, close all windows and doors around your
home to prevent embers from blowing inside. Unlock all gates and
fences around the perimeter to provide firefighters quick access.

* During a fire in your area, monitor radio and television news
reports on the status of the fire. If a fire approaches your home, do
not wait for officials to evacuate you. Leave the fire area
immediately and contact the American Red Cross for shelter locations
if needed."

Please, let us know how it goes. *fingers crossed* I hope you and your
family are safe.

---larre

larre: Thanks for the very accurate info and the good advice.
----lisemc